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<br />. Maintenance--Because culverts usually constrict flow there is an <br />increased potential for waterway blockage by debris and sediment, <br />especially for culverts sUbject to seasonal flow. Multiple barrel <br />culverts may also be particularly susceptible to debris accumulation, as <br />shown in exhibit 1. Scour caused by high outlet velocity and turbulence <br />at inlet end is a concern. As a result of these factors, routine <br />maintenance for culverts primarily involves the removal of obstructions <br />and the repair of erosion and scour. Prevention of joint leakage may be <br />critical in culverts bedded in pipeab1e soils to prevent undermining and <br />loss of support. <br /> <br /> <br />Exhibit 1. Accumulation of debris at culvert inlets may be a <br />recurring problem in some locations. <br /> <br />· Traffic Safetv--A significant safety advantage of many culverts is the <br />elimination of bridge parapets and railings. Culverts can usually be <br />extended so that the standard roadway cross section can be carried over <br />the culvert to provide a vehicle recovery area. However, when ends are <br />located near taffic lanes or adjacent to shoulders, guardrails may be <br />used to protect the traffic. Less differential icing, which occurs when <br />water on the bridge deck freezes before water on the nearby roadway, is <br />an additional benefit. <br /> <br />2 <br />